CJ Pearson, co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) Youth Advisory Council, criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approach to incarceration, stating it negatively impacts Black communities by allowing dangerous individuals to remain free. Pearson made this statement on X.
“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says it’s “racist, immoral, and unholy” to put criminals in jail,” said Pearson. “The only thing that hurts the black community is allowing dangerous people to roam their communities.”
In August 2025, Mayor Johnson argued that over-policing and mass incarceration have not succeeded in creating safety. He noted that despite having the world’s largest prison population, the United States continues to face crime and violence. Johnson advocated for increased social investment to address the root causes of crime, particularly in marginalized communities. His remarks were made amid discussions about potential federal intervention in Chicago, as reported by the City of Chicago mayor’s office.
According to city officials, violent crime in Chicago decreased significantly between 2024 and 2025. Overall incidents dropped by 21.6%, homicides by 32.3%, shootings by 37.4%, robberies by 31.9%, vehicular hijackings nearly halved at 49%, and aggravated assaults decreased by 18.1%. These declines are attributed to community programs and targeted policing strategies aimed at reducing violence.
The Illinois Policy Institute reported that from March 2024 to February 2025, Chicago recorded 27,547 violent crimes with Black residents disproportionately affected. Approximately 62% of aggravated battery victims were Black, and their risk of violent victimization was 6.6 times higher than that of white residents. These disparities underscore significant racial inequalities in exposure to crime across the city.
Pearson is a conservative activist born in 2002 who gained prominence as co-chair of the RNC Youth Advisory Council. He has been recognized for mobilizing Generation Z conservatives during the 2024 presidential election and was named to the TIME100 Creators list in July 2025 for his influence in political commentary and digital media.
The RNC Youth Advisory Council is an outreach body established by the Republican National Committee to engage young voters and develop future conservative leaders. It operates under party leadership with national co-chairs like Pearson working to connect Generation Z with Republican electoral and policy goals. TIME magazine highlights the council’s role in bridging younger activists with the GOP establishment.
